How to Control Greenhouse Humidity
The enclosed nature of greenhouses means you must take extra steps to ensure the climate does not become unbearably humid for both you and the plants. While some plants might be fine in higher humidity, too high a level is conducive to fungal and bacterial growth. Controlling humidity in a greenhouse requires both structural and procedural modifications. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Restrict watering to just enough for the plants. Do not inundate the plants and leave puddles of water around the pots. These puddles will evaporate and add to the humidity.
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Water the soil, not the leaves, fruits and flowers of the plants. Dewdrops on petals look very pretty, but if you try to mimic that when watering, you're just adding to the evaporating water supply.
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Direct dripping away from the plants or move plants out of the line of fire. If condensation forms on the walls and ceiling of the greenhouse in some designs, it can drip onto the plants. Line or coat the greenhouse walls and ceiling with anti-drip chemicals or plastic. Identify any areas where water drips are a continuing problem, and move plants out of the way.
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Ventilate the greenhouse and ensure the air inside is circulating. Ventilation not only provides fresh air, but it also pushes the more humid air out. Install fans and multiple vents around the greenhouse. Ohio State University suggests using benches with slats or mesh tops, spacing the plants so there's room between them and installing a mechanical circulation system, such as rows of horizontal air flow fans.
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Inspect for and remove weeds on a regular basis. Plants soak up water that eventually ends up at the surface of the leaves, where it evaporates, and thus adds to humidity levels. Weeds do this, too, so remove every weed you can find.
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Add heating elements to your greenhouse in winter. UMass Extension suggests placing them on the bottom of the greenhouse so the rising warm air adds to the general circulation.
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Ensure the greenhouse and plants are dry before closing it up in the evening. UMass Extension notes that this measure is the cheapest way to reduce humidity. Water plants in the morning so the soil has all day to dry, before the temperature drops at night.
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